Cannabinoid Receptor Activation Can Combat Skin Cancer, According to New study

A new study published by the National Institute of Health has found that activation of the body’s cannabinoid receptors can combat skin cancer.

Activiation of the body’s cannabinoid receptors helps with a number of diseases and ailments, including skin cancer according to this new study.

According to researchers at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Pisa in Italy; “Cannabinoids are implicated in the control of cell proliferation, but little is known about the role of the endocannabinoid system in human malignant melanoma [the deadliest form of skin cancer]. This study was aimed at characterizing the in vitro antitumor activity of anandamide [a naturally occurring cannabinoid] in A375 melanoma cells.”

The study concludes that; “Overall, these findings demonstrate that AEA [anadamide] induces cytotoxicity against human melanoma cells in the micromolar range of concentrations through a complex mechanism, which involves COX-2 and LOX-derived product synthesis and CB1 activation”. This demonstrates that activation of the body’s cannabinoid receptors – which cannabis does naturally – has strong anticancer capabilities.

A study released earlier this year found similar results; using cannabinoids on mice, researchers were able to reduce skin cancer by 90% in just 20 weeks.

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.